Cancer Patients Benefit from Successful Race for Hope

More than 800 people turned out for the sixteenth annual June E. Nylen Cancer Center Race for Hope held Saturday, September 21 at the Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve in McCook Lake, SD. Over $50,000 was raised for the event, thanks in part to premier sponsors U.S. Bank and SCHEELS."The weather was amazing," said volunteer race director, Jean Gill. “With stellar support from the community, we will be able to fund many of the projects we targeted."Those who attended the event competed in a 1K fun run for kids, a 5K or 15K run or walk, and enjoyed food and beverages donated by Chili’s, Rosenthal Food and Chesterman Co."Beth Anderson and Tayvin Schmoll did an amazing job as race ambassadors, and helped us in our quest to raise awareness to all of the various types of cancer,” said Gill.A third of the participants competed for awards.In the 15K the top male overall was Chad Backsen from Sioux Falls with a time of 53:01 and the top 15K overall female was Andriette Wickstrom with a time of 1:06:41. In the 5K, top male was Monte Larsen of Neola, IA, with a time of 16:19 and female was Molly Radigan of Vermillion with a time of 19:48. Over 85 children entered the 1K Kids fun run.The Kids 1k traveling trophy winners from the boy and girl division of the 1K race was Mara Aesoph and second year winner Jake McGowan – both attending Clark Elementary in Sioux City.One hundred percent of the funds raised stay here in Siouxland and enhances the quality of care given to patients and their families. Proceeds from this year's Race for Hope will support various programs and services at the Cancer Center. Funds will be allocated to a LIVESTRONG cancer survivor fitness program sponsored by SCHEELS; cancer screenings for the uninsured or underinsured; partial funding for the Cancer Center's patient navigator position; enhancements for radiation therapy; assistance for patients suffering a financial hardship with their cancer diagnosis; art therapy classes for cancer patients; Betsy Bags with supplies to help cancer patients suffering from sudden nausea episodes; healthy snacks for patients waiting in the Cancer Center lobby; and more.Other businesses supporting the event this year include Klinger Co., Hy-Vee Food Stores; KCAU-TV; Walmart-Singing Hills; Clear Channel Radio stations; Pacific City Graphics; Avery Bros.; Chili's; Sioux City Journal; Family Healthcare of Sioux City; Mercy Medical Center; Siouxland Women's Health and Siouxland Golf Charities.Race competitor results can be found at www.siouxlandraceforhope.com or for more information, contact the Cancer Center at 712-252-9352.